Belem

On Sunday morning, we went to Belem. It was Portugal's Labor Day so all museums were closed. It was still nice to enjoy the sun and take a rest day. We followed Rick Steves to see the sights.

Belem is 5 miles west of central Lisbon. Take the 15E trolley from Praca de Figueira or Praca do Comercio and get off at the National Coach Museum, a 30-minute ride. Museums in Belem are closed on Mondays.

The National Coach Museum is housed in 2 buildings, each with its own ticket. The concrete one is the main branch and houses 70 coaches. The other museum is housed in the old Royal Riding School, where 10 coaches are kept. It's a more impressive building.

Belem Palace--home to Portugal's president. The palace is open by tour on Saturdays.

Not sure if the flag flying mean the president's home.

The Monastery of Jeronimos is the large white impressive building a couple blocks down the street from the Belem Palace. It was erected by King Manuel as a thanks to the early Portuguese explorers. Vasco de Gama is buried within.

It's a great example of Manueline architecture--rich and ornate.

Rope motif.

Planetario de Marinha

From the planetarium, walk past the park to the trolley tracks and find a tunnel to access the waterfront. There, you will find the Monument to the Discoveries.

In the shape of a caravel in full sail, the monument features explorers and those who funded them. Henry the Navigator is at the helm.

King Manuel, who funded the voyages, holds an armillary sphere.

The marble map in front of the monument was a gift from South Africa. It followed Portuguese explorers and the lands they discovered.

Farol de Belem was the former lighthouse.

The Belem Tower protected Lisbon's harbor. The outside is Manueline architecture but there's not much to see inside.

Continuing along the waterfront, you'll find a Memorial to the Unknown Soldier.

2022 05 01